Artsy: 22 for 2022
In Auction

About the Work

This artwork is a visualization of a novel AI-based convergent evolution process that is inspired by convergent evolution in nature. It is a result of an experiment that investigated the aesthetics that emerge when generative models are isolated and then pushed towards each other to converge.

Convergent evolution is a phenomenon in which organisms that are not closely related independently evolve similar traits in response to similar environmental pressures. For example, human eyes and octopus eyes evolved to be similar in structure and function but they were not inherited from a common ancestor. Just like different environmental conditions may cause species to branch off, similar environmental conditions sometimes lead to convergence into a similar appearance despite taking very different paths.

This artwork was created using a custom-designed AI art model that emulated this process: isolation, branching off, and convergence. The model was first trained on a large, generic image dataset. Then, copies of the model were further trained on separate datasets in isolation. Since the copies only saw disjoint sets of data, they evolved to specialize on the limited set of images they observed. After they branched off, the copies were pushed towards each other to converge into similar evolutionary paths.

This novel artificial convergent evolution process helped generative models diverge from their original training sets while converging towards similar aesthetics, resulting in visually distinct and aesthetically pleasing images.

Verisart Certified

This NFT carries a Verisart Certificate of Authenticity, a blockchain certificate providing proof of the artist's verified identity and additional context about the work.

The closing time noted at the top of the auction page indicates when the first lot will begin to close. The countdown timer on the artwork pages will display the end time for the lot. Each lot closes in 2-minute increments and will be extended by 15 minutes if a bid is placed within the 15 minutes before the lot’s scheduled closing time.

Kindly note that the entered amount represents your current Bid amount. All bids placed on Artsy are final and non-retractable.

Gas fees can vary depending on network demand and are non-refundable even if you are outbid, for more information see our FAQ.

THE BID PRICE IS INCLUSIVE OF SALES TAX. IF YOU ARE THE WINNING BIDDER AND SALES TAX DOES NOT APPLY TO YOUR PURCHASE, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENTIRE BID PRICE AND WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO A REFUND OF SALES TAX.

Contract Address

0x44dcebb4374f7e01ba415c7be243f6c66636ea1c

Token ID

208

Medium

Non-fungible token

Symbol Black
  • Leo Isikdogan
  • b. 1989

Leo Isikdogan (b. 1989) is an interdisciplinary researcher, engineer, and artist based in California. His practice spans a broad range of disciplines, including machine learning, computer vision, image processing, computational photography, remote sensing, and virtual reality. He holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.

Isikdogan uses artificial intelligence to create art as well as to solve practical problems. In his artistic practice, he uses code as a medium to express his artistic vision. In his engineering practice, he builds efficient machine learning and image processing systems for consumer electronics. Isikdogan worked for Motorola/Lenovo and Intel, and is currently a Research Engineer at Apple.

About the Work

This artwork is a visualization of a novel AI-based convergent evolution process that is inspired by convergent evolution in nature. It is a result of an experiment that investigated the aesthetics that emerge when generative models are isolated and then pushed towards each other to converge.

Convergent evolution is a phenomenon in which organisms that are not closely related independently evolve similar traits in response to similar environmental pressures. For example, human eyes and octopus eyes evolved to be similar in structure and function but they were not inherited from a common ancestor. Just like different environmental conditions may cause species to branch off, similar environmental conditions sometimes lead to convergence into a similar appearance despite taking very different paths.

This artwork was created using a custom-designed AI art model that emulated this process: isolation, branching off, and convergence. The model was first trained on a large, generic image dataset. Then, copies of the model were further trained on separate datasets in isolation. Since the copies only saw disjoint sets of data, they evolved to specialize on the limited set of images they observed. After they branched off, the copies were pushed towards each other to converge into similar evolutionary paths.

This novel artificial convergent evolution process helped generative models diverge from their original training sets while converging towards similar aesthetics, resulting in visually distinct and aesthetically pleasing images.

Verisart Certified

This NFT carries a Verisart Certificate of Authenticity, a blockchain certificate providing proof of the artist's verified identity and additional context about the work.

The closing time noted at the top of the auction page indicates when the first lot will begin to close. The countdown timer on the artwork pages will display the end time for the lot. Each lot closes in 2-minute increments and will be extended by 15 minutes if a bid is placed within the 15 minutes before the lot’s scheduled closing time.

Kindly note that the entered amount represents your current Bid amount. All bids placed on Artsy are final and non-retractable.

Gas fees can vary depending on network demand and are non-refundable even if you are outbid, for more information see our FAQ.

THE BID PRICE IS INCLUSIVE OF SALES TAX. IF YOU ARE THE WINNING BIDDER AND SALES TAX DOES NOT APPLY TO YOUR PURCHASE, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENTIRE BID PRICE AND WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO A REFUND OF SALES TAX.

Contract Address

0x44dcebb4374f7e01ba415c7be243f6c66636ea1c

Token ID

208

Medium

Non-fungible token

Symbol Black
  • Leo Isikdogan
  • b. 1989

Leo Isikdogan (b. 1989) is an interdisciplinary researcher, engineer, and artist based in California. His practice spans a broad range of disciplines, including machine learning, computer vision, image processing, computational photography, remote sensing, and virtual reality. He holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.

Isikdogan uses artificial intelligence to create art as well as to solve practical problems. In his artistic practice, he uses code as a medium to express his artistic vision. In his engineering practice, he builds efficient machine learning and image processing systems for consumer electronics. Isikdogan worked for Motorola/Lenovo and Intel, and is currently a Research Engineer at Apple.

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